The Pioneer 07.09.2010
Govt land encroached: Admn fails to act despite complaints
PNS | Rishikesh
In spite of media reports exposing unauthorised constructions encroaching Government land bordering the Housing Development Colony here, the administration has taken no action. A prominent local public representative has allegedly facilitated these encroachments in Rishikesh by taking undue advantage of the lack of clear demarcation between the Housing Development Colony and the land owned by the Rishikesh Municipal Council.
Colony residents had also complained about the encroachment to the district administration officials in the past but the authorities have remained apathetic towards their problem. The encroachment poses a danger to residents as it may lead to water logging and flooding. Though the encroachment and unauthorised construction facilitated by this public representative is the most talked about issue among colony residents, the local administration has remained apathetic towards this blatant crime.
According to sources, a channel located at the end of the main road leading to the Housing Development Colony separates the estate of the colony from land owned by the local municipal council. However, as there is no clear demarcation of land ownership on both sides of this channel, this loophole has been capitalised upon by a prominent local public representative.
This politician has allegedly coaxed land grabbers to make unauthorised constructions and encroach on several bighas of land on the banks of this channel.
The unauthorised constructions on Government land along this channel have blocked the flow of water which has increased mosquito breeding, which may cause several diseases.
The residents of the Housing Development Colony have complained to the Sub District Magistrate about the encroachment and its repercussions on public health and safety. But people are not sure whether the administration will take action in time or will succumb to pressure by the politician allegedly responsible for these encroachments. Land on the banks of rivers and smaller channels are targeted by land grabbers due to the lack of clear demarcation of ownership. These sites are also prone to floods during the rainy season but the politicians continue to abet encroachment even though it is unsafe for those residing in unauthorised structures here.
